.There was a fascinating
talk about eyesight. Even accounting for the bias inherent in the fact that my husband led the service, it was great. John invited a psychology professor to speak about optical illusions, in which we are blind to what is portrayed on the
page. Perhaps you have seen the bunny/duck, or the three birds/woman's face, or baby/scene by a lake that toggle even as you focus your eyes. He demonstrated that we can make the shift from cluelessness to observation with a little help. With either an explanation, or an outline, the image jumps out, whereas a second ago it eluded us.
Another of the professor's illustrations was of a room that changed subtly as we watched. The panels from the ceiling faded, a
yoga ball went away. Yet those details are easily missed if you do not anticipate them.
John talked about the story when the disciples were walking with Jesus after his resurrection, and did not notice that it was him. The song whose refrain was "Didn't our hearts burn within us?" moved me deeply. It was when Jesus broke the bread to share with them that their eyes were opened. Then Jesus disappeared, and they were stunned.
It is
within our power to look for what we hope, or expect, to find. I remember a conversation with someone recently in which I was prepared for disagreement. In fact, I was practicing in my head. But what was also available for me was a chance to appreciate this person. There is plenty of goodness to be found.
The changes in the room reminded me of how spiritual growth can be subtle. The other day I was in a situation that in the past has triggered jealousy for me.
But this time, I had unalloyed joy. I could have missed that absence of coveting.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." Matthew 6